Northern Lights Could Appear Tonight in Upstate New York
A powerful G3 geomagnetic storm is pushing the aurora borealis much farther south than usual. Upstate New York may have a front-row view of this natural spectacle tonight.
Storm Details and Expected Visibility
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3, strong geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, November 6. This storm could illuminate the sky with colors typically seen near the Arctic Circle.
The aurora borealis might be visible across nearly half of the continental United States, from parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, to New York’s Hudson Valley.
Cause and Intensity
This event is driven by solar activity sending a powerful wave of energy toward Earth. With a Kp index of 7 out of 9, the storm is classified as strong, allowing the auroral oval to expand far south.
Viewing Conditions
- Upstate skies could be partly to mostly cloudy near 10 p.m., but the aurora often shines through thin clouds.
- NOAA recommends watching around midnight, when the storm is expected to peak, though earlier sightings are possible.
Best Locations to Watch
Meteorologist Eric Snitil highlights northern New York as ideal for viewing, especially around Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks.
The Catskills and Hudson Valley also have potential for sightings, provided the clouds clear.
"The best time to look is around midnight, when the storm is expected to peak, according to NOAA, though earlier sightings are possible."
Author’s summary: A strong geomagnetic storm tonight promises possible northern lights far south, offering Upstate New York a rare chance to witness this breathtaking cosmic display.